MIC deputy president G Palanivel, despite replaced at the 11th hour by P Kamalanathan as BN’s candidate for the Hulu Selangor Parlimentary by-election, is working around the clock for the party’s cause.

NONE “What I have been doing since last Saturday is using the individual approach. I have already met 700 to 800 people personally, in Orang Asli settlements as well as in Malay, Indian and Chinese areas,” said Palanivel ( left ).

The groups that he had approached were those who had voted for the opposition during the 2008 general election, and he hoped to bring them back into BN's fold, he said.

 Palanivel, who had served for four terms in the constituency from 1990 to 2008, before losing in the last election, was MIC’s choice for this by-election. However BN settled on Kamalanathan, who is MIC’s information chief.

When asked about BN's chances to win back the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat, he said:

“The people who support us will continue to vote for us. In the last election, we lost only by 198 votes. I am certain we will win, but I cannot determine the majority as the competition is intense.”

NONE However he believed those who had voted for him will continue to vote for BN.

Palanivel accompanied Kamalanathan ( left ) today to meet Indian voters at Kampung Seri Keledang, Ladang 15.

The MIC deputy president pointed out that the Indians in the state has not benefitted from the opposition they voted in two years ago.

“The people know that they have made a mistake, they know that they have been neglected,” Palanivel told reporters.

Addressing the crowd, Palanivel reminded that it was the BN government which gave them tarred roads and schools.

“We don't deny that there are still inconveniences because this is a rural district but basic necessities have been taken care by BN,” he said.

“Kamalanathan is contesting as the BN candidate, he is contesting as the prime minister's candidate, he is contesting as MIC's candidate. 

“This contest is between PKR and us... think properly before voting. If you want our community to become strong and developed, you must vote for Barisan,” said Palanivel.

Meanwhile, Kamalanthan acknowledged that the people have received him well because Palanivel has covered the area extensively. 

“If I win I hope to get a house in Hulu Selangor and stay closer, so that it would be easier for me to serve here,” Kamalanathan told voters.